STEM Education Center Update

After ongoing discussions, RUSD and UCR jointly determined they are no longer seeking to develop the proposed STEM Education Center on the UCR campus. Both institutions believe this is an important moment to assess how to expand their partnership to strengthen access to STEM learning, college readiness, and community-supported opportunities for students across all RUSD schools.

Measure O funds supported preliminary design and environmental review. No construction funding was allocated or approved. All expenditures were subject to established oversight and review processes.

While this announcement closes one proposed path forward, it does not change the district’s commitment to RSA students, staff, families, or the strength of the program. RUSD recognizes that RSA has built a record of excellence in facilities that no longer fully match the needs or future of the program.

RUSD is actively evaluating next steps to support RSA’s facility and program needs. That work includes reviewing feasible facility options, identifying what can be addressed in the near term, and developing a thoughtful path forward.

Yes. STEM learning remains a strong priority across RUSD, including Riverside STEM Academy and programs, pathways, coursework, and enrichment opportunities at schools throughout the district. RUSD and UCR will also continue exploring ways to expand STEM learning and related educational opportunities in additional disciplines for students across more schools. 

No. RUSD and UCR remain fully committed to the partnership. This decision reflects alignment between leadership teams on how to strengthen long-term collaboration and maximize student impact. The partnership continues through a more coordinated and strategic framework. 

The University of California, Riverside (UCR) and Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) have established this working group to:

1. Reimagine and strengthen their long-standing community engagement partnership.
2. Provide a coordinated, strategic framework to align PK-12 and higher education efforts in service of student success, regional equity, and workforce development.
3. Maintain a strong emphasis on STEM education while intentionally supporting academic and career pipelines across all disciplines, including the arts, humanities, and social sciences, recognizing their essential role in cultivating critical thinking, creativity, civic leadership, and a well-rounded regional workforce.

Yes. Over multiple years, the district and the university actively listened to the community  through public meetings, board presentations, community workshops, oversight and design committees, and direct input from families, staff, and neighbors. This decision reflects that input alongside long-term planning considerations and student needs. In addition, RSA STEM families, staff and students were surveyed over the past 6 months and their feedback weighed into the consideration of this decision.